there is absolutely no purpose in the law and in reality for this amendment. there's nothing -- it's nothing but a political tool and it's being used in an effort to divide this country on an issue we should not be dividing america on. we ought to be talking about issues like healthcare and jobs and what's happening in iraq. not using an issue that divides this country in a way that's solely for political purposes. it's wrong. >> mr. vice president, you have 90 seconds. >> well, let me simply thank the senator for the kind words he said about my family and our daughter. i appreciate that very much. >> you're welcome. you're welcome. >> that's it? >> that's it. >> ok. then we'll move on to the next question. this one is for you, mr. vice president. george bush has derided john kerry for putting a trial lawyer on the ticket. you yourself have said that lawsuits are partly to blame for higher medical costs. are you willing to say that john edwards, sitting here, has been part of the problem? >> well, gwen. >> mr. vice president. >> first of all, i'm not familiar